Intellectual properties are the creation of the human mind. These are the creations that require the intelligence and skill of the creators, hence needing proper protection from exploitation by third parties. The indigenous bell metal craft industry of Sarthebari, Assam is the second largest handicraft sector after bamboo craft. These are the unique creations of the artisans of the Sarthebari area who are referred to as kahar or ora. The craftsmen prepare the objects manually adhering to the age-old technique by implementing the old tools. But over the last few years, the bell metal industry has been facing myriad problems. Apart from the scarcity of charcoal and broken bell metal products, which is the heart and soul of the crafts, the craftsmen were also deprived of their proper share and benefits. Where the commercial value and utility of the finished products are higher, some unscrupulous intermediaries get all the benefits, leaving a scanty amount in the hands of
the artisans. Due to such unfortunate economic conditions for the craftsmen, they are facing stiff competition from machine-made products. The machine-made products have a better polish and are cheaper hence attracting more customers. The traditional artisans were facing the fear of duplication of their work. The customers most of the time fail to distinguish between the original and replica and often purchase those products which the retailers acquire from outside the state. This shackles the economy of the producing state. This paper will study the trend of exploitation of historic Assamese bell metal crafts in the Sarthebari area of Assam and the need for immediate action of the State government towards preservation by way of recognizing it as a Geographical Indication. This paper shall be a doctrinal study based on secondary sources analyzing the need for international intellectual property protection of the indigenous bell metal crafts and industry of Sarthebari.